The Schools of Hope program is successful in part because of the support of many local companies, whose employees serve as Schools of Hope volunteers. If your company is interested in learning more about Schools of Hope and getting involved, contact Fritz to learn more about the special services we can offer to companies who want to recruit Schools of Hope tutors.

How does Schools of Hope Staff assist companies?

We appreciate 60 businesses and organizations that are allowing and encouraging employees to volunteer with Schools of Hope. Our goal is to make participation as easy as possible. Most participating companies designate a Schools of Hope coordinator to whom we funnel all communication about the program and training opportunities. Other recruiting and training resources available include:

• 9-minute informational video
• Informational meetings for interested employees at your site
• Informational handouts
• Online training sign-up
• Recruitment posters customized with your company logo and coordinator information
• Training sessions at your site (for companies that recruit 10 or more volunteers)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will employees from our company be placed in the same school?

Schools of Hope staff makes every effort to place groups of business volunteers together in schools that are close to their workplace. This allows the volunteers time to arrive at the site, volunteer for ½ hour and return to their workplace within 1 hour. In fact, many business volunteers choose to carpool and volunteer at the same time.

My schedule does not allow me a regular day and time. Should I volunteer?

There are many options for volunteering with the Schools of Hope program. Volunteers can commit for 30 minutes or more per week, serve as a substitute for a regular volunteer, or "share" a student with another volunteer. If you have special requests for your schedule, please check with your designated company contact and with the school.

Is there anything else required beyond mentoring?

There is no commitment beyond the ½ hour you spend with the student. Many companies have voluntarily chosen to assist schools with special needs and projects. Contact Fritz to learn more.

How will my business be recognized?

Schools of Hope recognizes businesses that are seeking to make a difference in the lives of children in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. All new businesses are featured in the Schools of Hope newsletter and listed in other Schools of Hope publications and promotions. Individual schools hold celebration events at the end of the year.

What happens if I have a vacation coming up or if I can only volunteer part of the year?

We understand that many working people are unable to commit to an entire year of tutoring. If you have a vacation coming up or if you are not able to commit to the entire year, please contact the school's Schools of Hope Coordinator and let them know the dates you will not be available. The coordinator can then make alternative plans for the student.

What if I know other businesses or colleagues who may be interested in volunteering?

Last year, over 80% of first-time Schools of Hope volunteers were referred by volunteers already in the program. We are grateful for and always welcome referrals for new volunteers, whether businesses or individuals. Contact Fritz for recruiting materials and assistance.

What businesses and organizations are currently participating in Schools of Hope?

Here is a partial list of some of the businesses, organizations and churches currently providing Schools of Hope volunteers:

• Alticor
• Clipper Belt Lacer
• Feyen-Zylstra Electric
• Grand Rapids Community College
• Hope Reformed Church
• Huntington Bank
• JP Morgan Chase Bank
• Keystone Community Church
• Lake Michigan Credit Union
• Mercantile Bank
• Plymouth Heights CRC
• Steelcase
• Trinity United Methodist Church
• Williams Group
• Wolverine World Wide

Schools of Hope staff contact info

Attention Contractors with the City of Grand Rapids